Plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin levels in sick preterm infants during their first six weeks of life.

The present study reports the levels of plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin in 19 preterm infants with asphyxia [n = 10, GA (median; range) 26; 23-30 weeks] and respiratory distress syndrome (n = 14, GA 27; 23-29 weeks) compared with preterm infants without any of these conditions (reference group, n = 59, GA 33; 25-36 weeks). In the reference group 37 infants received phototherapy and their peptide levels were compared with those not receiving phototherapy (n = 22). Plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin were analysed by specific radioimmunoassays on day 1, day 3-4 and at 6 weeks of life. Plasma somatostatin levels, but not cholecystokinin levels, of reference infants were inversely related to gestational age on day 1 and day 3-4. Asphyxiated infants and infants with respiratory distress syndrome had significantly higher somatostatin levels than reference infants on day 1 and day 3-4. These differences disappeared when the levels were adjusted for gestational age. Plasma cholecystokinin levels were not influenced by respiratory distress syndrome and asphyxia. Phototherapy did not affect plasma somatostatin and cholecystokinin levels.